Chicken and Corn Chili

( I actually made this using turkey that was left over.  I am always cautious about using magazine recipes.  This one turned out soo good!  And is definitely on my rotation now for using left over chicken or turkey. )
Chicken and Corn Chili

From Family Circle Feb 2011

Makes 8 servings, Prep 15 min, cook 16 Min



2 T olive oil
1 Large Onion (I used dried onions and onion powder)
1 green bell Pepper, cored and chopped ( I finely chopped mine)
1 t ground cumin(I added a bit more)
½ t ground coriander (I didn’t have any so I left this off)
½ t chili powder(this is not a lot of heat, very very mild.)
1 can (14.5 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained.(since I was crock potting I did not drain)
1 ¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bit size pieces.
1 box (10 ounces) frozen corn, thawed (if using canned, drain)
2 cans (15 ounces each) Cannellini (or white kidney beans) beans, drained and rinsed
¾ t salt
Shredded Cheddar cheese



1. Heat oil in large pot over medium heat, add onion and green pepper. Cook stirring, 5 min.Stir in spices, cook for 1 min.
2. Stir in chicken broth and tomatoes.Bring to a simmer. Add chicken. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
3. Stir in corn, beans and salt into pot. Heat through. Spoon into bowls and top with shredded cheese.

If you are using left over chicken and want to us a Crockpot...do step 1.Then add to a crockpot.Stir in chicken broth, tomatoes (I did not drain), chicken. Covered and put on low for about 30 min to an 1 hr. Then I stirred in the corn, beans and salt. Covered it and kept it on low for about 30 min. Then spooned into bowls with cheese on top and served with corn bread and crackers… so good.

painting classes?

So if you have read blog  ... you know I love to paint.  But I don't have much time to do this...

Recently it came to my attention that there are these new "classes" that you paint on canvas or wine glasses and you get to take it home right away. brilliant! I asked my hubby for this form my Christmas gift. Here is the place I went to. Cork and Canvas in Roswell, GA 
Here is my tree that I painted and the tree that my friend painted.  The cost is $35 a canvas.  They also have a kids program on certain afternoons.

Indoor activity

Here is an indoor activity that will help take out some of the wiggles kids get when it has been rainy and cold for three days straight.

I have a long hallway some tape and beanbags.  It doesn't take out all of a boy's wiggles, but it helps.   Not shown here, but I also taped out a tic, tac toe board.  I taped a big x on one side of the bean bag and the other side is the o side.
Making obstacle courses with pillows and such is another great indoor activity.  Especially when they are old enough to help with putting it together.

PNO- Parents Night Out

One of our local Churches is holding their Parent's Night Out this Friday.  We so take advantage of these.  They are usually inexpensive and great childcare.  We call them Kid's Night Out in house.   
Make your reservation.  They do fill up.  Here is the info.

 Friday, January 21^st
6:30-10:00

Ages: Infants through 5^th grade.
Bible Lessons - Music - Snacks - Games
Cost is $5 per child, $15 max per family.
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Limited space.
New Family Registration Returning Family Registration (2010)

 Phone:
  (770) 971-3052
Location:
  675 Holt Road NE
  Marietta, GA 30068

a homemade christmas gift

  So last year I created one that said love in bright yellow.  This year I did joy... next year peace or hope.

  These are quite simple and quite complicated at the same time. I've used pre-painted white mdf board.  I get the larger size and cut them into the correct sizes.
  Then I spray paint them white.  The ends don't take well to the spray paint so I paint them with craft paint.  This give it a nice glossy finish.

  Next I tape out a border and the lettering (once the white paint is dry first of course).  I've noticed other artist are using a screen printed method to do this.  Since I'm not mass producing I just reuse the lettering.  Sticking it on wax paper when I'm not using it. 
 
  To achieve the lettering I first did the letters on the computer and printed them out.  Since Joy was a short word I was able to fit it on one sheet. I then put the blue painters tape on wax paper and then taped the page to the wax paper.  (I taped mine together) then cut out both paper and wax paper with tape at the same time.
  
  Next I spray paint on the final color.  Usually 2 coats.  Once the paint is fully dry you can remove the tape. The kicker is if you mess up you have to throw out the board and start over.  With mdf you can sand it down and redo.

GA Aquarium tickets $15

Georgia Aquarium tickets for $15 a person. This deal is not quite as good as mommy and me passes, but there are less restrictions.  Like you can go on weekends and there are less blackout dates.   So we can go as a family. But you have to us them by March 13th. These type of passes that you buy online are great, because you print it out at home and you don't have to wait in the really long line, just the short line. Have fun fishy looking.

Psst… want to save up to $46?

Hey! I just learned a clean little secret about Lowe’s. They have quite the selection of cleaning products plus air and water filters to help keep your home spic and span inside and out. And they’re sending out up to $46 in savings so you can really clean up. Get your coupons before they’re gone! Go to vocalpoint.com/Lowes.